Finally back to our comfortable surroundings, we were warmly greeted by Joan Heyland and Russ Hicks. Ken Sparks busily recorded a number of guests while Graeme Fraser sold PP Draw tickets. Promptly at 12.15 President Ken called our 37^th meeting of this Rotary year to order.

Doris Braslins delivered a very thoughtful Grace reflecting on how fortunate we are to have what we have. President Ken called upon Ken Sparks to introduce our many guests in attendance. We had Stephen McGill, Chair of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, along with his Development Coordinator Cheryl Fequet; Yvonne Hinan from the Georgetown Rotary Club along with her husband Don and their exchange student Yuichi Mori from Japan; Derek Fortune and Beth Campbell visiting from Ottawa Bytown club; Aaron McClenan, guest of Wilmer Pulido; Kayla Neville, guest of Jennifer Ahde; Mary Gusella, guest of Ali Sochasky; Tom Wilkinson from Charlottetown Rotary; and Phil Bronsther, good friend and former member of our club.

President Ken called Joe Parkinson, Merv Letts and soon to be inducted Larry Chop to the podium. Larry Chop, a retired systems analyst was born in Kenora, Ontario, is married to Sharon, and they have two sons. Larry has been very active in Scouting and also volunteers at Westboro Anglican Church. His interests include travel, fishing and photography. President Ken welcomed Larry into the club with Joe Parkinson being his mentor. Larry will be lent the classification, “Systems Analysis”. All members stood to welcome Larry Chop into the club.  

Next up, the always-smiling Jennifer Ahde with a reminder of two things. First, she let it be known that she correctly predicted that Brad Jacob would win this year’s Brier. (Watch out, Brian Langill, Dave Ireland and Rocco Disipio – you may be challenged on next year’s Fearless Predictions by Jennifer!) Second, she reminded us to sign up for the Curling Fun Day, March 23. Next week will be the final sign up date so whether or not you are a curler, sign up to attend. There is room for those who would like to participate in the social side of this fun day. Something for everyone.

Alan Bowles, subbing for Mike Traub, reminded us of the April 6^th Music for Humanity fundraising concert. This year’s performance will feature a four-guitar quartet, which is very rare. With the excellent acoustics of the venue the evening should be great. Plan on attending as seats are limited, and proceeds go to an excellent cause.

Joan Heyland provided a very informative Membership Moment. Joan reminded us that we all have a role to play maintaining our club’s membership. To this end, the club will provide a handy plastic stand for our recently printed Rotary Flyer.  Plan on taking one to display in waiting rooms and smaller retail establishments. Joan’s message, “let us get the message out and continue to build our club and Rotary”.

Clive Talbot, on behalf of the Awards Committee, spoke about the Paul Harris Awards and reminded members to put forth recommendations for each of the annually presented awards. With the changeover meeting soon upon us, please take the time to consider candidates for each of the club’s awards. Deadline: March 31^st.

Bob Harrison, just back from the Rotarians for Peace symposium, spoke enthusiastically about the experience. With World Understanding Month just past, Bob attended the symposium with 350 other delegates in Toronto at the Royal York Hotel. Also in attendance, representing West Ottawa Rotary, was Nicole Leger, one of our newly inducted members. Dr. Bob Scott spoke on Pax Polio, Marc Kielberger gave an upbeat talk on Free the Children and “me to We”. Bob’s account of this symposium was very complete and gave hope to less “bullying” and Peace.

Doug Heyland introduced our guest speaker, Stephen McGill, partner with the consulting firm of McGill, Buckley and Chair of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTS).   For the past 12 years Stephen has volunteered at the DSYTS. “Dave’s Dream”, twenty-five years in the making, is very close to fruition. Currently, the DSYTS is housed in three different locations spread throughout Ottawa Carleton. With one facility on Bronson, another in Carleton Place, the 62 km trek from one centre to another has proven to be very inefficient. The new $7.8 million Centre with 15 beds for boys, 15 for girls, is very close to being a reality. Housed on a 25 acre rural site to the west of Ottawa, the treatment centre is aimed at continuing to help youths, ages 13 – 21 deal with drug and alcohol dependencies. Through teaching and helping youth make healthy choices, setting personal goals, helping prepare healthy meals and dealing with past trauma the treatment centre is hoping to reverse current trends within the youth community.   Currently 20% of Ontario High School students have been offered drugs, 37% of our youth have used drugs in the past year, and 78% of Ontario High School students consume alcohol and 40% binge drink.  This drug and alcohol issue costs the Province $6.7 Billion annually and for every one dollar of treatment there is a four to seven dollar saving in the Health Care System.

No stranger to Rotary and the West Ottawa club, Dave Smith next addressed the members. In his usual manner, Dave thanked the club for its support and asked for continued support. On closing, President Ken provided this year’s $25,000 cheque to Dave in support of our efforts towards the DSYTS.

This week’s Past Presidents Draw was won by Blair Armstrong, who promptly donated his winnings to the DSYTS.

There being no other business to attend to, President Ken closed the meeting at 1.30.  May we all have a good week in Rotary!

Here are the winners of the Cash Calendar draws for the week, March 5 – 11, 2013:

2128     $200     Tammy Manbourquette, Stittsville                              

3306     $25       Lisa Cameron, Nepean                                             

0452     $20       Kathleen Walton, Kanata                                          

3680     $50       Walter Tam, Ottawa                                                 

1994     $50       Jean Creighton, Kanata                                            

3794     $25       Rosa Iuliano, Ottawa                                                

2369     $100     Bruce Langill, Carleton Place

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Terry West: “Canada’s Participation in Spanish Civil War”

Intro:  Clive Talbot    Thanks:  Merv Letts

Greeters:  Julius Frank / Bob Harrison    Grace:  Fred Christie

Reception:  Jack Troughton    PP Draw:  Brian Hartley    Spinoff:  Don Butler